Tensions surfaced at Wednesday’s city council meeting as proposed 2026 budget cuts came into question. “This was probably the most difficult budget I have ever seen in my tenure as mayor. The council tabled the budget approval vote for a special session next week in order to accommodate further public input. In addition, the council approved the establishment of a school forest on 70 acres behind Northeast Range High School. Following designation by the DNR, the arrangement will involve a joint powers agreement between the school district and the city, who would still own the land.